The manufacture of clocks became a thriving industry in the 14th and 15th centuries. Every town soon had to have its own. Although the basic mechanism did not change during this period, the development of better ways to cut gears and to make other metal parts was an important precursor of the Industrial Revolution. Today you can still find many of these giant clocks in town centers and other important meeting spots. Find and mark a "Town Clock" that still exists in your area.

The Great Clock was installed on Marshall Field’s State Street Store on November 26, 1897. Marshall Field envisioned this as a beacon that could be seen for miles and attract crowds to his store which he saw as a meeting place.